U.S. patent application number 12/754241 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-07 for information communication terminal.
This patent application is currently assigned to OLYMPUS CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Hideo Okano.
Application Number | 20100253788 12/754241 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42825865 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100253788 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Okano; Hideo |
October 7, 2010 |
INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TERMINAL
Abstract
A storage is configured to store wireless connection setting
information for making wireless connection to a predetermined
communication terminal. A wireless connection setting unit is
configured to set wireless connection to the predetermined
communication terminal based on wireless connection setting
information stored in the storage. A detector is configured to
determine whether a state of connection to the predetermined
terminal, a state of connection to other terminal connected to the
predetermined communication terminal, a state of connection to
service provided by the predetermined communication terminal, a
state of connection to service provided by other terminal connected
to the predetermined communication terminal, and/or a state of
using the service conforms to of predetermined conditions. A
wireless connection setting information update unit is configured
to nullify, erase or update a part or all of the wireless
connection setting information stored in the storage, based on the
result of determination by the detector.
Inventors: |
Okano; Hideo; (Hanno-shi,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WESTERMAN, HATTORI, DANIELS & ADRIAN, LLP
1250 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, NW, SUITE 700
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Assignee: |
OLYMPUS CORPORATION
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
42825865 |
Appl. No.: |
12/754241 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/207.1 ;
348/E5.024 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 63/0492 20130101;
H04N 5/23206 20130101; H04N 1/00132 20130101; H04N 2101/00
20130101; H04L 63/083 20130101; H04N 2201/001 20130101; H04L 63/06
20130101; H04N 5/23203 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/207.1 ;
348/E05.024 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/225 20060101
H04N005/225 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 6, 2009 |
JP |
2009-092338 |
Claims
1. An information communication terminal comprising: a storage
configured to store wireless connection setting information for
making wireless connection to a predetermined communication
terminal; a wireless connection setting unit configured to set
wireless connection to the predetermined communication terminal
based on wireless connection setting information stored in the
storage; a detector configured to determine whether at least one of
a state of connection to the predetermined terminal, a state of
connection to other terminal connected to the predetermined
communication terminal, a state of connection to service provided
by the predetermined communication terminal, a state of connection
to service provided by other terminal connected to the
predetermined communication terminal, and a state of using the
service conforms to of predetermined conditions; and a wireless
connection setting information update unit configured to perform
one of nullification, erasion and update one of a part and all of
the wireless connection setting information stored in the storage,
based on the result of determination by the detector.
2. The terminal according to claim 1, further comprising: a history
memory configured to store at least a part of current wireless
connection setting information, before the wireless connection
setting information update unit performs the one of nullification,
erasion and update of the wireless connection setting
information.
3. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the wireless
connection setting information update unit is configured to update
the wireless connection setting information based on the wireless
connection setting information stored in the history memory, when
updating one of the part the all of the wireless connection setting
information.
4. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the detector is
configured to detect that of time of connection to the
predetermined terminal, time of connection to the other terminal,
time of connection to the service, time of using the service
exceeds corresponding predetermined time, and the wireless
connection setting information update unit is configured to perform
the one of nullification, erasion and update of the one of the part
and the all of the wireless connection setting information stored
in the storage, when one of the time of connection to the
predetermined communication terminal, the time of connection to the
other terminal, the time of connection to the service, and the time
of using the service exceeds the corresponding predetermined
time.
5. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the detector is
configured to detect that of connection to the predetermined
terminal, connection to the other terminal, connection to the
service, use of the service is stopped for longer than
predetermined time, and the wireless connection setting information
update unit is configured to perform the one of nullification,
erasion and update of the one of the part and the all of the
wireless connection setting information stored in the storage, when
one of the connection to the predetermined communication terminal,
the connection to the other terminal, the connection to the
service, and the use of the service is stopped for longer than the
predetermined time.
6. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the detector is
configured to detect that of the number of connections to the
predetermined terminal, the number of connections to the other
terminal, the number of connection to the service, and the number
of using the service exceeds corresponding predetermined numbers,
and the wireless connection setting information update unit is
configured to perform the one of nullification, erasion and update
of the one of the part and the all of the wireless connection
setting information stored in the storage, when one of the number
of connections to the predetermined communication terminal, the
number of connections to the other terminal, the number of
connection to the service, and the number of using the service
exceeds the corresponding predetermined numbers.
7. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the detector is
configured to determine whether of a transmission to from the
service the predetermined data is performed, and the wireless
connection setting information update unit is configured to perform
the one of nullification, erasion and update of the one of the part
and the all of the wireless connection setting information stored
in the storage, when one of the transmission to and the reception
from the service of the predetermined data is performed.
8. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the detector is
configured to determine whether one of a transmission to and
reception from the service of data is performed one of for longer
than predetermined time and by more than a predetermined number of
times, and the wireless connection setting information update unit
is configured to perform the one of nullification, erasion and
update of the one of the part and the all of the wireless
connection setting information stored in the storage, when one of
transmission to and reception from the service data is performed
the one of for longer than predetermined time and by more than a
predetermined number of times.
9. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the detector is
configured to determine whether one of a transmission to and
reception from a terminal different from a terminal providing the
service of data related to the service is preformed, and the
wireless connection setting information update unit is configured
to perform the one of nullification, erasion and update of the one
of the part and the all of the wireless connection setting
information stored in the storage, when one of the transmission to
and reception from the terminal different from the terminal
providing the service of the data related to the service is
performed.
10. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the detector is
configured to determine whether one of connection to and use of a
second service different from a first service is performed one of
by more than a predetermined number of times and for longer than
predetermined time, after the first service provided by other
terminal connected to the predetermined terminal is connected, and
the wireless connection setting information update unit is
configured to perform the one of nullification, erasion and update
of the one of the part and the all of the wireless connection
setting information stored in the storage, when one of the
connection to and the use of the second service different from the
first service is the one of by more than a predetermined number of
times and for longer than predetermined time, after the first
service provided by other terminal connected to the predetermined
terminal is connected.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-092338,
filed Apr. 6, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an information
communication terminal such as a digital camera, which is
wirelessly connected to a predetermined communication terminal such
as a personal computer and a kiosk terminal.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] An image taken by a digital camera is transmitted to a
personal computer (a PC) by wired or wireless communication, and
processed by the PC, or stored in a database for later access and
use.
[0006] If one personal computer is shared by two or more persons
and security of data is insufficient, data may be used or stolen by
other persons. Particularly, pictorial data directly concerns
privacy of a photographer. Therefore, pictorial data is a kind of
data, which is not to be transferred and shown to or used by
persons not admitted by a photographer.
[0007] Jpn. Pat. Apln. KOKAI Publication No. 11-252504 proposes an
authentication system, which makes data protection by
authentication by a digital camera used to take a picture, when a
picture taken by a digital camera is used in a personal
computer.
[0008] A communication terminal (a kiosk terminal) such as a
photoprint service has recently been used as a device to output an
image taken by a digital camera or a camera cell-phone. By using a
kiosk terminal, such an image can be printed as a photo away from
home.
[0009] Security must be ensured even in wireless communication
between a digital camera and a communication terminal such as a
personal computer and a kiosk terminal.
[0010] Wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) protected setup (WPS) used in a
computer system or a communication system is known as a method of
using a local area network (LAN) with ensured security. In WPS,
security of an extended service set identifier (ESSID) and a cipher
system of Wi-Fi protected access 2 (WPA 2) is automatically set by
pressing buttons provided at an access point and in a device
used.
[0011] By using WPS, connection and security setting can be easily
established in wireless communication between a digital camera and
a communication terminal such as a personal computer and a kiosk
terminal.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an information communication terminal comprising:
[0013] a storage configured to store wireless connection setting
information for making wireless connection to a predetermined
communication terminal;
[0014] a wireless connection setting unit configured to set
wireless connection to the predetermined communication terminal
based on wireless connection setting information stored in the
storage;
[0015] a detector configured to determine whether at least one of a
state of connection to the predetermined terminal, a state of
connection to other terminal connected to the predetermined
communication terminal, a state of connection to service provided
by the predetermined communication terminal, a state of connection
to service provided by other terminal connected to the
predetermined communication terminal, and a state of using the
service conforms to of predetermined conditions; and
[0016] a wireless connection setting information update unit
configured to perform one of nullification, erasion and update one
of a part and all of the wireless connection setting information
stored in the storage, based on the result of determination by the
detector.
[0017] Advantages of the invention will be set forth in the
description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the
description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
Advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means
of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out
hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention, and together with the general description given
above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below,
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an
information processing system, in which an information
communication terminal according to an embodiment of the invention
is used;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the
information processing system;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of automatic wireless communication
setting in a digital camera as an information communication
terminal and a kiosk terminal as a communication terminal according
to an embodiment of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of automatic wireless communication
procedure in a digital camera and a kiosk terminal; and
[0023] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining another example of
wireless communication procedure in a digital camera and a kiosk
terminal.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, an information processing system using
an information communication terminal according to an embodiment of
the invention includes a digital camera 100, a kiosk terminal 200,
and a management server 300. In the information processing system,
even the kiosk terminal 200 not having a wireless communication
function can have an access point 400 to enable wireless
communication with the digital camera 100.
[0025] The digital camera 100 is an information communication
terminal according to an embodiment of the invention. The digital
camera 100 has a wireless communication function, and is provided
with a built-in storage medium for recording a photographic image.
The kiosk terminal 200 is a predetermined communication terminal to
which the digital camera 100 is connected. The kiosk terminal 200
has a function of making wireless communication with the digital
camera 100 directly or through the access point 400, and a function
of displaying a photographic image recorded in the storage medium
of the digital camera 100. The kiosk terminal 200 has a function of
inquiring the management server 300 about various information
through a network. The kiosk terminal 200 is installed in a store
in each place. In FIG. 1, only one kiosk terminal is shown to
simplify the drawing. The management server 300 has functions of
managing accounts and contents, temporarily storing photographic
images, and printing photos. The management server 300 is
controlled by the kiosk terminal 200 through the network.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the digital camera 100 includes a camera
unit 110, an information terminal unit 120, an antenna 130, a
storage medium 140, a digital-analog converter (DAC) 150, a speaker
160, and a LAN connector 170.
[0027] The camera unit 110 includes an image acquisition module
111, and an image engine LSI 112. The image acquisition module 111
includes an imaging lens, and an image sensor, which are not shown
in the drawing. The image engine LSI 112 performs gamma correction
and white balance adjustment for an image signal obtained from the
image acquisition module 111, or compresses an image
[0028] The information terminal unit 120 includes a service
(application) execution unit 121, and an operating part 122, an LED
123, an IrDA 124, a wireless LAN module 125, and a display LCD 126,
which are connected to the service execution unit 121. The service
execution unit 121 includes a CPU, and a memory, which are not
shown in the drawing. The service execution unit 121 executes one
or more service (application), and controls the functions of the
information terminal unit 120. The service execution unit 121 is
configured to realize the functions of the information terminal
unit 120 by sequentially processing an information-processing
program stored in a CPU or an external nonvolatile memory. The
service execution unit 121 includes a storage 121A, an automatic
wireless communication setting unit 121B, a detector 121C, an
update unit 121D, and a history memory 121E.
[0029] The storage 121A stores wireless connection setting
information for making wireless connection to the kiosk terminal
200. The automatic wireless communication setting unit 121B
functions as a wireless connection setting unit for setting
wireless connection to the kiosk terminal 200 based on the wireless
connection setting information stored in the storage 121A. The
detector 121C determines whether a state of connection to the kiosk
terminal 200, states of connections to other terminals connected to
the kiosk terminal 200, a state of connection to service provided
by the kiosk terminal 200, states of connections to service
provided by other terminals connected to the kiosk terminal 200,
and/or a state of using the above service conforms to predetermined
conditions. The update unit 121D functions as a wireless connection
setting information update unit, which nullifies, erases, or
updates a part or all of the wireless connection setting
information stored in the storage 121A, based on the result of
determination by the detector 121C. The history memory 121E stores
at least a part of current wireless connection setting information,
before the wireless connection setting information is nullified,
erased or updated by the update unit 121D.
[0030] The operating part 122 is a member such as a shutter button
or cursor keys operated by a user. The LED 123 is a light-emitting
part for notifying the user of states of the digital camera 100.
The IrDA 124 is an infrared-emitting part for transmitting
information to an external device by infrared rays. The wireless
LAN module 125 performs wireless communication with the kiosk
terminal 200 by using the antenna 130. The display LCD 126 displays
a photographic image taken by the camera unit 110, or displays menu
and various information depending on states of the operating part
122.
[0031] The storage medium 140 is a memory card, etc. for saving a
photographic image taken by the camera unit 110. The storage medium
may be built in and nonremovable from the digital camera 100, or
may be removable from the digital camera 100.
[0032] The DAC 150 converts a message for notifying the user of the
states of the digital camera 100 occurred in the service execution
unit 121, into an analog audio signal. The speaker 160 produces a
sound of the analog audio signal.
[0033] The LAN connector 170 is used for wired connection to a
network such as Internet through a cable.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the kiosk terminal 200 includes an
information terminal unit 210, a printer 220, and a LAN connector
230.
[0035] The information terminal unit 210 includes a service
(application) execution unit 211, and an operating part 212, an LED
213, an IrDA receiver 214, and a display LCD, which are connected
to the service execution unit 211. The service execution unit 211
includes a CPU and a memory, which are not shown in the drawing.
The service execution unit 211 executes one or more service
(application), and controls the functions of the information
terminal unit 210. The service execution unit 211 is configured to
realize the functions of the information terminal unit 210, by
sequentially processing an information-processing program stored in
a CPU or an external nonvolatile memory. The service execution unit
211 includes an automatic wireless communication setting unit 211A,
a wireless connection information generator 211B, and a storage
211C.
[0036] The wireless connection information generator 211B generates
wireless connection setting information. The automatic wireless
communication setting unit 211A has a function of receiving a
wireless connection request from the digital camera 100 through the
access point 400. The automatic wireless communication setting unit
has a function of transmitting wireless connection setting
information generated by the wireless connection information
generator 211B to the digital camera 100 through the access point
400. The automatic wireless communication setting unit has a
function of making wireless connection to the digital camera 100
through the access point 400, based on the wireless connection
setting information. The wireless connection information generator
211B generates wireless connection setting information based on the
wireless connection request from the automatic wireless
communication setting unit 211A. The storage 211C stores the
wireless connection setting information generated by the wireless
connection information generator 211B.
[0037] The operating part 212 is a member such as a button operated
by the user. The LED 213 is a light-emitting part for notifying the
user of the states of the kiosk terminal 200. The IrDA receiver 214
is an infrared-receiving part for receiving information from an
external device by infrared rays. The display LCD 215 displays a
photographic image received from the digital camera 100, or
displays menu and various information depending on states of the
operating part 212. If the operating part 212 is configured as a
touch key on the display LCD 215, the same effect as that obtained
by providing multiple buttons can be obtained without increasing
the number of button members.
[0038] The printer 220 prints a photographic image received from
the digital camera 100. In some cases, the kiosk terminal 200 may
not be provided with the printer 220.
[0039] The LAN connector 230 is used for wired connection to a
network such as Internet 500 through a cable. The LAN connector 230
enables the kiosk terminal 200 to communicate with the management
server 300 through a network.
[0040] The access point 400 includes a wireless LAN module 410, and
an antenna 420, as shown in FIG. 2. The wireless LAN module 410 is
used for wired connection to the kiosk terminal 200, and makes
wireless communication between the digital camera 100 and kiosk
terminal 200 by using the antenna 420.
[0041] Next, an explanation will be given of the operation of the
information processing system configured as described above.
[0042] Before starting communication between the digital camera 100
and kiosk terminal 200 through a wireless LAN, the digital camera
100 and/or kiosk terminal 200 are set to initial states necessary
for making communication. Thereafter, the digital camera 100 can
start communication with the kiosk terminal 200, thereby decreasing
the processing amount in the kiosk terminal 200 for starting
communication.
[0043] In prior art, the digital camera 100 and kiosk terminal 200
are connected through a universal serial bus (BUS) cable, and
simply initialized by exchanging network setting information. Then,
the digital camera 100 is turned on, and communication is
started.
[0044] To make the initial setting by radio, a wireless LAN device
is connected and security is set, which are called Wi-Fi protected
setup (WPS). The LAN related industry group "Wi-Fi Alliance"
defines the specifications of WPS, and authorizes application
equipment since January, 2007.
[0045] WPS provides a scheme to register the digital camera 100 as
a client (a slave unit) in a wireless LAN. A device used for
registering the digital camera 100 as a client is called a
registrar. A scheme prepared in WPS is a pushbutton system, or a
personal identification number (PIN) code system.
[0046] In a pushbutton system, security setting of an extended
service set identifier (ESSID) and Wi-Fi protected access 2 (WPS 2)
is competed by pressing exclusive buttons provided at an access
point and in a client. In this case, an access point functions as a
registrar. A pushbutton system is suitable for a device, in which a
client is not provided with a keyboard, as in a game machine and a
printer.
[0047] In contrast, in a PIN code system, a 4-digit or 8-digit
number previously assigned to a client is registered in a registrar
from a device already participated in a network. In this case, a
client and an access point are connected in a state in which the
ESSID and WPA 2 are already set.
[0048] Now, IEEE 802.11 communication protocol is explained. ESSID
is used as one of network identifiers in wireless LAN. ESSID
functions as a so-called network name.
[0049] In a network configuration in infrastructure mode, a network
including one access point used as a basis and two or more slave
wireless LAN terminals is called a basic service set (BSS), and an
identifier used therein is called a BSSID. A network including two
or more BSS is called ESS, and an identifier used therein is called
an ESSID. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, SSID
indicates ESSID. SSID is set for preventing connection to an
unintended network, or identifying a terminal or device to be
connected. In other words, connection between a wireless LAN
terminal and an access point is impossible unless the same SSID is
set. This function is used to limit users to some degree. An access
point periodically delivers packet data called beacon. A beacon
packet includes a SSID name of an access point required by a
wireless LAN terminal to make connection. A wireless LAN terminal
installed in an area able to receive the radio waves can know the
presence of an access point and its SSID name by the beacon packet.
Therefore, the wireless LAN terminal can set a destination by the
beacon SSID, and automatically make connection in the following
procedure.
[0050] A beacon includes a data part and an application part. A
data part includes an element ID, a length of a sending command, an
ID, and a format type. An application part includes a device type,
a UUID, a service reference URL, a device name, and an IP address.
In this embodiment, the automatic wireless communication setting
unit 121B of the service execution unit 121 of the digital camera
100 transmits a beacon including information for detecting a device
(digital camera) in the application part, from the wireless LAN
module 125 through the antenna 130.
[0051] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of automatic wireless communication
setting in the service execution unit 121 of the digital camera 100
and the service execution unit 211 of the kiosk terminal 200 in the
information processing system. Here, a pushbutton type is used.
[0052] When the digital camera 100 capable of making wireless
communication goes into an area where communicate with the kiosk
terminal 200 connected to the access point 400 is possible, the
display LCD 126 of the digital camera 100 indicates this state.
[0053] Then, a connection start button (or a virtual button
displayed on the display LCD 126) is pressed, and a connection
start instruction is given (step S101). The digital camera 100
transmits a beacon including information (SSID) to take part in a
network by using the IEEE802.11 sequence, to the kiosk terminal 200
(the access point 400) (step S102).
[0054] The kiosk terminal 200 receives the beacon through the
access point 400, and returns a response through the access point
400 (step S201).
[0055] The digital camera 100 receives the response, and transmits
a wireless setting start request, or a wireless connection request
(step S103). Then, the digital camera 100 waits for a response from
the kiosk terminal 200 (step S104).
[0056] The kiosk terminal 200 receives the wireless connection
request from the digital camera 100, and waits until a start button
of the kiosk terminal 200 (or a virtual button displayed on the
display LCD 215) is pressed within predetermined time (step S202).
When the start button is pressed within predetermined time, the
kiosk terminal performs the following operations (step S203). In
other words, the kiosk terminal 200 transmits a cipher key for
wireless communication to the digital camera 100 through the access
point 400. Thereafter, when a response from the digital camera 100
is received, the wireless connection information generator 211B
generates wireless connection setting information (a cipher key, an
encryption method) used for setting wireless communication for
ensuring the communication security, as a second cipher key. The
generated second cipher key is stored in the storage 211C, and the
second cipher key is encrypted by using the first cipher key. The
encrypted cipher key is transmitted to the digital camera 100
through the access point 400.
[0057] The digital camera 100 receives the first cipher key (step
S104), sends back a response stating the reception of the first
cipher key to the kiosk terminal 200, and receives a second cipher
key to be sent later from the kiosk terminal (step S105). The
digital camera decrypts the second cipher key by the first cipher
key received first, and stores the obtained wireless connection
setting information (the cipher key, the encryption method) in the
storage 121A provided in an area of a memory that the user cannot
see.
[0058] As described above, when the connection start buttons of the
digital camera 100 and kiosk terminal 200 (or the access point 400)
are pressed within predetermined time, information is exchanged by
radio waves, and the wireless connection setting information for
making wireless communication is encrypted and transferred from the
kiosk terminal 200 to the digital camera 100.
[0059] If a PIN code system is used instead of a pushbutton system,
the procedure is as follows. When a PIN code is input to the kiosk
terminal 200, a first cipher key is changed to meet a destination
selected by a PIN code, and wireless connection setting information
for making wireless communication (a second cipher key) is
encrypted by a first cipher key, and transferred from the kiosk
terminal 200 to the digital camera 100. A PIN code can be input by
using a graphics user interface including the display LCD 215 and
the operating part 212, by infrared rays, or by reading a bar
code.
[0060] After the automatic wireless communication setting is
completed, a start step and a communication step are sequentially
executed, and an application such as viewing photos recorded in the
digital camera 100 is executed. In a start step, the digital camera
100 starts communication with the kiosk terminal 200 through a
wireless LAN network. This is a part of a communication process by
hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), for example. In a communication
step, the digital camera 100 makes communication with the kiosk
terminal 200 through a wireless LAN network. The start and
communication steps can be executed at any time after the automatic
wireless communication setting is completed.
[0061] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of wireless communication procedure
including a start step and a communication step.
[0062] In a start step, the digital camera 100 sends the kiosk
terminal 200 network entry information for starting entry into a
network (step S111).
[0063] The automatic wireless communication setting unit 211A of
the service execution unit 211 of the kiosk terminal 200 receives
the network entry information (step S211), confirms the entry into
a network, and sends an entry permission signal to the digital
camera 100 (step S212).
[0064] The digital camera 100 receives the entry permission
confirmation (step S112), and performs the following operations
(step S113). In other words, the digital camera 100 encrypts the
address of the digital camera 100 by using the wireless connection
setting information (the second cipher key) stored in the storage
121A, and sends the encrypted address to the kiosk terminal 200.
The kiosk terminal 200 receives the address, decrypts it by using
the wireless connection setting information (the second cipher key)
stored in the storage 211C, solves the address, and sends an
authentication data request to the digital camera 100. The digital
camera 100 receives the authentication data request, encrypts
authentication data by using the wireless connection setting
information (the second cipher key) stored in the storage 121A, and
sends the encrypted data to the kiosk terminal 200.
[0065] The kiosk terminal 200 receives the authentication data
(step S213), decrypts the data by using the wireless connection
setting information (the second cipher key) stored in the storage
211C, authenticates the data, and when the data is authenticated,
sends information about service to the digital camera 100 (step
S214).
[0066] The digital camera 100 receives the information about
service (step S114), identifies the contents (not shown in the
drawing), and instructs the kiosk terminal 200 to start an existing
universal PnP (UPnP) procedure. According to the instruction, the
kiosk terminal 200 executes a communication step based on the UPnP
specifications (not shown in the drawing). In other words, the
digital camera 100 executes transmission of data, and the kiosk
terminal 200 executes reception of the data. The data transmission
and reception are performed according to the wireless connection
setting information stored in the storages 121A and 211C.
[0067] One of usable service is printing a photographic image
stored in the storage medium 140 of the digital camera 100. In this
case, the service execution unit 211 of the kiosk terminal 200
issues a transfer request to the digital camera 100. A photographic
image file stored in the storage medium 140 includes file
information (update time, creation time, access time, file name,
etc.). A header of image file includes attribute information (image
size, image acquisition information, thumbnail image, etc.). The
transfer request requests the digital camera to sequentially
transfer information about an image file conforming to
predetermined conditions (file information and attribute
information) out of the photographic image files stored in the
storage medium 140, and thumbnail image data included in the header
of the image file. The digital camera 100 receives the transfer
request, and sends the kiosk terminal 200 the data conforming to
the predetermined conditions. The kiosk terminal 200 receives the
data.
[0068] Then, the user finds photographic image data desired to
print or store in the management server 300 out of the thumbnail
image sent to the kiosk terminal 200, and operates the kiosk
terminal 200 to transfer the image data from the digital camera 100
to the kiosk terminal 200. The user confirms the transferred image
data, and stores it in the management server 300, or prints the
data by the printer 220 or photoprint service provided by the
management server 300.
[0069] When an instruction to terminate use of the above service,
the kiosk terminal 200 terminates use of the service, and sends a
service end to the digital camera 100 (step S215).
[0070] The digital camera 100 receives the service end, and
performs the following operations (step S115). The detector 121C of
the service execution unit 121 determines whether a state of
connection to the kiosk terminal 200, states of connections to
other terminals (e.g., other digital cameras and mobile terminals,
and the management server 300) connected to the kiosk terminal 200,
a state of connection to service provided by the kiosk terminal
200, states of connections to service provided by other terminals
connected to the kiosk terminal 200, and/or states of using the
above service conform to predetermined conditions. When one of the
states conforms to the predetermined conditions, the update unit
121D nullifies, erases, or updates a part of all of the wireless
connection setting information stored in the storage 121A.
[0071] The predetermined conditions include the followings. [0072]
(1) Wireless connection lasts for longer than predetermined time.
[0073] The detector 121C detects that time of connection to the
kiosk terminal 200, time of connections to other terminals
connected to the kiosk terminal 200, the time of connection to
service provided by the kiosk terminal 200, or time of using the
service provided by the kiosk terminal 200 exceeds corresponding
predetermined time. When any one of the above time exceeds the
corresponding predetermined time, the update unit 211D nullifies,
erases, or updates a part or all of the connection setting
information stored in the storage 121A. [0074] (2) Wireless
connection is stopped for longer than predetermined time. [0075]
The detector 121C determines whether connection to the kiosk
terminal 200, connection to other terminals connected to the kiosk
terminal 200, connection to service provided by the kiosk terminal
200, or use of the service provided by the kiosk terminal 200 is
stopped for longer than predetermined time. When any one of the
above connections is stopped for longer than the predetermined
time, the update unit 121D nullifies, erases, or updates a part or
all of the connection setting information stored in the storage
121A. [0076] (3) Wireless connection is made by more than a
predetermined number of times. [0077] The detector 121C determines
whether the number of connections to the kiosk terminal 200, the
number of connections to other terminals connected to the kiosk
terminal 200, the number of connections to service provided by the
kiosk terminal 200, or the number of using the service provided by
the kiosk terminal 200 exceeds corresponding predetermined numbers.
When any one of the above connections exceeds the corresponding
predetermined numbers, the update unit 121D nullifies, erases, or
updates a part or all of the connection setting information stored
in the storage 121A. [0078] (4) In the wireless communication, the
digital camera 100 detects service provided by the predetermined
kiosk terminal 200 by multi-casting, connects the service, and
transmits and receives predetermined data related to the service
to/from the kiosk terminal 200. [0079] The detector 121C determines
whether the predetermined data is transmitted to and/or received
from the service provided by the kiosk terminal 200. If the
predetermined data is transmitted and/or received, the update unit
121D nullifies, erases, or updates a part or all of the connection
setting information stored in the storage 121A. [0080] The
predetermined data includes service end data, that is, data
indicating the end of service. [0081] (5) In the wireless
communication, the digital camera 100 detects service provided by
the predetermined kiosk terminal 200 by multi-casting, connects the
service, and transmits and receives information related to the
service to/from the kiosk terminal 200 for longer than
predetermined time and/or by more than a predetermined number of
times. [0082] The detector 121C determines whether data is
transmitted to and/or received from the service provided by the
kiosk terminal 200 for longer than predetermined time and/or by
more than a predetermined number of times. If the data is
transmitted or received for longer than predetermined time and/or
by more than a predetermined number of times, the update unit 121D
nullifies, erases, or updates a part or all of the connection
setting information stored in the storage 121A. [0083] This is
applied to a case where the digital camera 100 downloads image
data, music data, video data, game data, or text data delivered
from the kiosk terminal 200 for longer than predetermined time
and/or by more than a predetermined number of times.
[0084] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of wireless communication in the above
condition (5), in which music is downloaded by more than a
predetermined number of times. In the drawing, steps S111 to S114
in the digital camera 100 and steps S211 to S214 in the kiosk
terminal 200 are the same as those described above, and an
explanation thereof is omitted.
[0085] In the kiosk terminal 200, accounting information that is
the number N of using service, or a predetermined number of times,
is input by using a graphics user interface by the display LCD 215
and operating part 212, for example (step S221). The accounting
information is transmitted to the digital camera 100. The
accounting information includes a destination, an ID, a password, a
service menu, etc. as the information related to the service
provided by the kiosk terminal 200, in addition to the above
predetermined number of times.
[0086] The digital camera 100 receives the accounting information
(S121), selects start/end of service such as music download (step
S122), and sends a service start/end to the kiosk terminal 200. If
end of service is not selected (step S123), the digital camera
requests the kiosk terminal 200 to download the selected music, and
receives the selected music (step S124).
[0087] In other words, the kiosk terminal 200 receives a service
start (step S222), subtracts one from the number N of using the
service (step S223), and determines whether the number N of using
the service is decreased to smaller than zero as a result (step
S224). If the number N is not smaller than zero, the kiosk terminal
sends specified music data to the digital camera 100 (step S225).
Music data itself can be separately downloaded to the digital
camera 100 through a personal computer. It is permitted to delivery
a security code to enable listening to the downloaded music.
[0088] As described above, the service can be used by the number N
set in step S221.
[0089] When the service is used by the number N, the number N of
using the service is determined smaller than zero in step S224. In
this case, the kiosk terminal 200 stops using the service, and
sends a service end signal to the digital camera 100 (step
S215).
[0090] The digital camera 100 receives the service end, and the
detector 121C of the service execution unit 121 detects the
condition (5), and the update unit 121D nullifies, erases, or
updates a part or all of the wireless connection setting
information stored in the storage 121A (step S115).
[0091] If end of service is selected in step S122 before the
service is used by the number N, a service end signal is sent to
the kiosk terminal 200. End of service is determined in step S123,
and the detector 121C detects the condition (4) in step S115, and
the update unit 121D nullifies, erases, or updates a part or all of
the wireless connection setting information stored in the storage
121A.
[0092] The above predetermined conditions further include the
following conditions. [0093] (6) In the wireless communication, the
digital camera 100 detects service provided by the predetermined
kiosk terminal 200 by multi-casting, connects the service, and
transmits and receives data related to the service to/from
terminals other than the kiosk terminal 200. [0094] The detector
121C detects whether the data related to the service provided by
the kiosk terminal 200 is transmitted to and/or received from a
terminal different from the kiosk terminal 200 providing the
service. If the data is transmitted to and/or received from the
different terminal, the update unit 121D nullifies, erases, or
updates a part of all of the connection setting information stored
in the storage 121A. [0095] The other terminals include another
digital camera and a management server 300. [0096] (7) Service
different from service provided by the kiosk terminal 200 connected
first is connected by more than a predetermined number of times, or
longer than predetermined time. [0097] The detection unit 121C
determines whether a second service different from a first service
is connected and/or used for longer than predetermined time and/or
by more than a predetermined number of times, after a first service
provided by other terminals connected to the kiosk terminal 200 is
connected. If the second service is connected and/or used for
longer than predetermined time and/or by more than a predetermined
number of times, the update unit 121D nullifies, erases, or updates
a part of all of the connection setting information stored in the
storage 121A. [0098] (8) A disconnection request is received from
service provided by the connected kiosk terminal 200. [0099] The
detection unit 121C determines whether a disconnection request is
received from the service provided by the kiosk terminal 200. If
the disconnection request is received, the update unit 121D
nullifies, erases, or updates a part of all of the connection
setting information stored in the storage 121A. [0100] This is
applied to a case where a mail magazine is after subscription is
stopped, or membership service is joined after withdrawal from the
membership. In such a case, a disconnection request is received
from a corresponding service.
[0101] In updating the connection setting information by the update
unit 121D, the information that has been set immediately before the
wireless connection setting information set by the automatic
wireless communication setting, that is, the information one before
the current wireless connection setting information is restored.
This facilitates returning to the setting usually used at home or
office.
[0102] If end of service is selected before using service by the
number N in step S122, the following operation is permitted. The
update unit 121D generates wireless connection setting information
for verifying reconnection from the SSID and cipher key and
encryption method, or the information about the destination kiosk
terminal 200, or the connection date and time (each code is
compiled into one code, or converted by comparing with table data).
The generated wireless connection setting information for verifying
reconnection is stored in the storage 121A, and sent to the storage
211C of the kiosk terminal 200. Therefore, the digital camera 100
can receive service by the residual number of times.
[0103] It is preferable to store at least a part of the current
wireless connection setting information in the history memory 121E,
before the update unit 121D nullifies, erases and/or updates the
wireless connection setting information. For example, when wireless
communication is stopped, the history is recorded in the history
memory 121E. Alternatively, the information and history of
connections (including date and time) of the connected kiosk
terminal 200 may be stored. When the history is stored in the
history memory 121E, the history may be displayed on the display
LCD 126. Of course, the history stored in the history memory 121E
is kept ready for displaying in the display LCD at any necessary
time.
[0104] When the update unit 121D updates a part or all of the
connection setting information, the wireless connection setting
information may be updated based the history stored in the history
memory 121E.
[0105] As described above, according the embodiment of the
invention, even if wireless communication is made with the kiosk
terminal 200 that is used by indefinite number of users, a part or
all of the wireless connection setting information is nullified,
erased or updated when predetermined conditions are satisfied.
Therefore, the same wireless connection setting information as
those of other users is not used, and the security of wireless
connection setting information is ensured.
[0106] The wireless connection information generator 211B may be
provided at the access point 400, not in the kiosk terminal
200.
[0107] A digital camera is used as an information communication
terminal in the embodiment described hereinbefore. Any mobile
information communication terminal such as a cell-phone and PDA may
be used. Similarly, a kiosk terminal is used as a predetermined
communication terminal connected wirelessly by the information
communication terminal. Other terminals such as a personal computer
may be used.
[0108] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur
to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its
broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, and
representative devices shown and described herein. Accordingly,
various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit
or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the
appended claims and their equivalents.
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